Anise Star Essential Oil Benefits, Uses, & Recipes

Anise Star Essential Oil is a versatile and highly valued oil that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is known for its fragrant aroma, which is reminiscent of licorice, and its distinctive flavor, which lends itself well to a variety of cuisines. In addition, Anise Star Essential Oil is highly prized for its numerous benefits, which range from digestive aid to respiratory support. With so many uses and benefits, it’s no wonder that Anise Star Essential Oil has become an essential component in so many households. So, whether you’re looking to use it for aromatherapy or to boost your general well-being, Anise Star Essential Oil is definitely one to add to your collection!

What is Anise Star Essential Oil?

Anise Star Essential Oil is a natural oil that’s extracted from the fruit of the anise star tree, which is native to some parts of Southern and Eastern Asia. This tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall (26 feet). The fruit is picked before it ripens and is then set in the sun to dry and harden. The fruit’s distinct star shape and bold aroma make it easy to identify. Steam distilled from the fruit, Anise Star Essential Oil is a popular ingredient in aromatherapy and is known for its strong, licorice-like scent. Not only does it smell amazing, but it also provides many aromatherapy benefits.

Anise Star Essential Oil Benefits

Cleans

Anise Star Essential Oil is a great natural cleanser with antibacterial properties. In fact, a study1 has confirmed its antimicrobial activity, making it a reliable choice for purifying your surroundings.

Aids Digestion

Known for its soothing properties, both the fruit and the essential oil can aid in digestive health as shown in a study2. Some have found that simply inhaling the oil can ease nausea and indigestion, while others have taken the fruit internally to help with bloating and flatulence.

Boosts Immunity

A study3 has found that this powerful oil contains antiviral properties, making it a potent defense against harmful pathogens that can weaken your immune system. One of the most exciting benefits of Anise Star Essential Oil is its ability to help during seasonal threats, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain good health all year round.

Cleanses Skin

Anise Star Essential Oil also has some amazing benefits for your skin. In fact, a study4 has shown that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help cleanse and purify your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Supports Joint Function

Research5 has shown that this beneficial oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease joint pain and discomfort. Not only is it effective in supporting joint function, but Anise Star Essential Oil also has a pleasant aroma that can be calming and soothing to discomfort.

Promotes Circulation 

This versatile oil offers numerous benefits, including its ability to promote healthy circulation by creating a comforting, warming sensation on the skin. That is why Anise Star Essential Oil is a popular choice for creating massage oils, thanks to its pleasant aroma and ability to help soothe discomfort.

Anise Star Essential Oil Uses & Recipes

All-Natural Personal Care Recipes

This all-natural oil is not only great for overall health, but it’s also perfect for personal care recipes! Anise Star Essential Oil is naturally cleansing, making it a fantastic ingredient for homemade personal care products. From soaps to body washes, this oil can help you achieve glowing and healthy skin.

Diffuser Blend Recipes

Anise Star Essential Oil is a versatile oil that can be used for a variety of purposes, but it is most well-known for its amazing aroma. This oil has a sweet, licorice-like scent that can help to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in any space. Not only does this oil smell amazing, but Anise Star Oil can also help to ease nausea and other digestive issues when inhaled.

Roll-On Recipes

One of the easiest ways to use Anise Star Essential Oil is through roll-on blends. By using a roll-on bottle filled with a carrier oil and a few drops of Anise Star Essential Oil, you can easily and conveniently target areas of discomfort or apply it to the wrists and neck for immune support.

Other Aromatherapy Recipes

The sweet and spicy scent of Anise Star can be used in a multitude of ways to create a soothing and calming atmosphere in your home or office. Not only does it work beautifully in a diffuser, but it can also be blended with other essential oils to make potpourri and other aromatic recipes.

Anise Star Essential Oil Blends Well With

The warm, radiant, spicy, herbaceous, and sweet aroma of Anise Star Essential Oil blends well with Clove, Chamomile (German), Cinnamon Leaf, Fennel, Geranium, Ho Wood, Lavender (40/42 or Bulgarian), Orange, and Pine Essential Oils.

What’s The Science Behind This Oil?

trans-Anethole

Anethole, also known as anise camphor, is widely used as a flavoring substance. It is a derivative of an aromatic compound that occurs widely in nature, in essential oils. It contributes a large component of the odor and flavor of anise and fennel (both in the botanical family Apiaceae), anise myrtle (Myrtaceae), licorice (Fabaceae), magnolia blossoms, and star anise (Schisandraceae). It is a colorless, fragrant, mildly volatile liquid.

Estragole

Estragole (p-allylanisole, methyl chavicol) is a phenylpropene, a natural organic compound. It is a colorless liquid, although impure samples can appear yellow. It is a component of various trees and plants, including turpentine (pine oil), anise, fennel, bay, tarragon, and basil. It is used in the preparation of fragrances.

Linalool

Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. It has multiple commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent (floral, with a touch of spiciness). In plants, it is a metabolite, a volatile oil component, an antimicrobial agent, and an aroma compound. Linalool has uses in the manufacturing of soaps, fragrances, food additives as flavors, household products, and insecticides.

What Earthies Are Saying About It

Things To Remember When Using This Oil

Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. This essential oil is unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods of time) it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting this essential oil properly. 

This oil is generally not safe to use if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor prior to use. 

This essential oil is safe to use with kids 10+.

Cats may find this oil irritating. However, we do not expect your cat to be disturbed if you use this oil on yourself. Just be mindful of your pet’s behavior. For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post

Dogs may find this oil irritating. However, we do not expect your dog to be disturbed if you use this oil on yourself. Just be mindful of your pet’s behavior. For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post

We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the direction of a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils check out this blog post

*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA


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References:

  1. Ângelo L., Sónia S., et al. Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) essential oil: Antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. 2019 Apr
  2. Sharafan M, Jafernik K, Ekiert H, Kubica P, Kocjan R, Blicharska E, Szopa A. Illicium verum (Star Anise) and Trans-Anethole as Valuable Raw Materials for Medicinal and Cosmetic Applications. 2022 Jan
  3. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P. Screening for antiviral activities of isolated compounds from essential oils. 2011 Feb
  4. MS Alhajj, MAA Qasem, et al. In-Vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Effects of High Levels of Chinese Star Anise. 2019
  5. Singletary, Keith W. PhD. Anise, Potential Health Benefits. 2022 Mar